Visa Waiver Program
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
As of January 12, 2009, individuals traveling to the United States without a visa (under the Visa Waiver Program, VWP) must register online to receive an authorization to travel to or through the United States. An authorization is valid for two years after the date of issuance given there is no change to your VWP valid passport. Please register as early as possible, as it may take up to 72 hours to process your application.
Registration with ESTA is free. The U.S. Government does NOT charge to register with the ESTA program.
The ESTA system has been updated to allow applicants
who made a mistake when applying, including the wrong
passport issuance and expiration date, to re-apply
immediately, provided they have not been denied
authorization. The applicant may have to close his or
her Internet browser and open a new one in order to re-
apply. Applicants who have made a mistake and have been
denied authorization must wait 24 hours to re-apply, not
10 days.
Be sure that your passport allows you to travel Visa Waiver!!
ESTA does not check whether passports meet Visa Waiver Program (VWP) standards. If you have a non-biometric passport issued after October 26, 2006, you must obtain a visa. (Swiss citizens who obtained passports after that date should be especially careful, because Switzerland issued both biometric and non-biometric passports after that date!) Receiving ESTA authorization does not replace the need for a biometric passport after October 26, 2006. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that he has a correct passport which allows him to enter the United States under the VWP.
Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ to register. The same website offers information on ESTA in 16 different languages, including Deutsch, Français, Italiano.
How can I tell if my Swiss passport is valid for visa-free travel on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
If a Swiss citizen is traveling for up to 90 days for simple business or pleasure and carries an eligible passport, then they are eligible for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
Complete information on the visa waiver program can be found at http://travel.state.gov or by clicking here. Please read the information carefully to determine if you need a visa for your intended travel, regardless of the type of passport you have.
Below is a summary of what types of Swiss passports are valid for travel to the United States without a visa if your travel does qualify under the VWP.
Passport Model "85"
Passport model “85” is not valid for travel without a visa. You must apply for a new e-passport Model 06 to qualify to travel on the VWP. “85” model passports are characterized by a large white cross in the center of the oversized booklet.
Passport Model "03"
Passport model “03”, if issued before October 26, 2006 is valid for VWP; if issued on or after October 26, 2006 you must apply for a visa. “03” model passports have a pattern of raised crosses on the cover and use a plastic card for the data page, as pictured above.
Passport Model "06" (biometric passport)
Passport model “06” is valid to travel on VWP. Please be sure to find the e-passport icon on the cover of your passport. “06” model passports closely resemble the “03” models, but include the special biometric icon on the lower right corner of the cover.
Emergency Passport / Swiss Temporary Passport
Because they are not currently biometric, Swiss emergency / temporary passports are not valid for travel to the United States. These passports can only be used in conjunction with a valid U.S. visa.
All passports of the participating countries must be biometric if issued after October 26, 2006 for travel on the Visa Waiver Program. For more details on other counties please consult the US Embassy website of the country concerned.
What's New
Visa Waiver Program
